Human Nervous System: Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the main function of the somatic nervous system?

Control voluntary movement (correct)

Regulate body temperature

Facilitate learning and memory

Control involuntary actions

Where are the cell bodies of most somatic motor neurons located?

In the brain

In the autonomic nervous system

In the spinal cord (correct)

In the peripheral nervous system

What type of nervous system controls involuntary actions?

Central nervous system

Somatic nervous system

Autonomic nervous system (correct)

Peripheral nervous system

What is the simplest type of behavior?

Reflex Signup and view all the answers

Where are the neurons that control many reflexes located?

In the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between short-term memory and long-term memory?

Short-term memory is a temporary storage, while long-term memory is a permanent storage Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the process of learning and memory?

Biochemical and structural changes in specific parts of the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the peripheral nervous system?

To transmit information from the CNS to the rest of the body Signup and view all the answers

What determines the intensity of a stimulus?

The rate at which individual sensory neurons produce action potentials and the number of sensory neurons activated Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of interneurons in the brain?

To evaluate sensory stimuli and direct an appropriate response Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a simple behavior controlled by a small number of neurons?

A reflex action, such as withdrawing a hand from a hot surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of sensory neurons in the nervous system?

To transmit sensory information from the environment to the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a complex behavior that requires the activity of millions of neurons?

Playing the piano Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the nervous system in an animal such as a mouse?

To integrate sensory information and direct an appropriate response Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an interneuron in a neural pathway?

To integrate sensory information and direct a response Signup and view all the answers

What determines the strength of a response to a stimulus?

The rate at which individual sensory neurons produce action potentials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of neurons in the nervous system?

To receive, process, and transmit information Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of dendrites in a neuron?

To receive information from the environment or other neurons Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of glia in the nervous system?

To assist neuronal function by providing nutrients and regulating the interstitial fluid Signup and view all the answers

How many major structures are found in a typical neuron?

4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the cell body in a neuron?

To process information and produce an electrical signal Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of synaptic terminals in a neuron?

To transmit information to other cells Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the axon in a neuron?

To conduct the electrical signal to a junction Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glia in guiding nerve cells during development?

To guide nerve cells to their proper places in the brain Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Nervous System

The nervous system consists of two parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord
The PNS includes neurons and axons outside the CNS

Somatic and Autonomic Nervous Systems

The somatic nervous system controls voluntary movement
The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary actions
Somatic motor neurons form synapses with skeletal muscles and control voluntary movement
Autonomic neurons innervate many parts of the body, including the heart and smooth muscles

Reflexes

Reflexes are involuntary movements in response to a stimulus
Many reflexes are produced by neurons in the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system

Learning and Memory

Learning involves biochemical and structural changes in specific parts of the brain
Learning has two phases: short-term memory and long-term memory

Signaling Stimulus Intensity

The intensity of a stimulus is signaled by the rate at which individual sensory neurons produce action potentials
The number of sensory neurons activated also contributes to signaling intensity

Nervous System Processing

The brain processes information from many sources, including sensory stimuli from inside and outside the body
Interneurons in the brain evaluate and direct an appropriate response to stimuli

Behaviors and Neural Pathways

Simple behaviors are controlled by activity in a few neurons
Complex behaviors are organized by interconnected neural pathways involving multiple types of sensory input

Neurons and Glia

The nervous system contains two principal cell types: neurons and glia
Neurons receive, process, and transmit information and control movements
Glia assist neuronal function by providing nutrients, regulating interstitial fluid, protecting against infection, and fine-tuning communication among neurons

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Description

Explore the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the somatic and autonomic nervous systems, and their roles in controlling voluntary and involuntary actions in humans.